Wells Bonfire Night 2022

Every year in Wells, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, with fireworks lighting up the skies across the county of Somerset.

What information is important to know about Wells's Bonfire Night?

The Bonfire Night has become an annual event over the years because of it's incredible festivities.

Why do people love these festivals so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind the amazing popularity of the Bonfire Night by reading this quick list.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

The main reason why Guy Fawkes failed in his attempt to assassinate King James I is because Bonfire Night is a way to celebrate.

This happened in 1605 and people have been celebrating bonfires ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king due to the fact that many thought he was against the Catholics.

Robert and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed that an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to its rightful place.

Some people came up with a plan to blow up the palace.

The king was present, so the plan was to kill him.

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament but ended up getting cold feet.

The conspirators who were involved in the plan were taken into custody after they learned about it.

The Parliament made a public statement regarding the situation, shared the fact that the conspirators were caught and punished.

The Parliament decided that the 5th of November would be a day to be thankful for.

Which, eventually, led us to the Bonfire Night.

There are Bonfire Night activities all over the UK.

Despite the fact that its origins are sinister in nature, over the years Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event.

firework manufacturers rebranded the celebration at the beginning of the 20th century because it was focused on having fun.

As the 20th century went on, the event looked similar to what we are seeing today.

What are you going to wear to the events?

Depending on where you live, people tend to dress up in various costumes during Bonfire Night.

This approach is quite interesting, and it is being prepared for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great chance for most people to show off their winter clothes.

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is the right way to go.

You don't have to wear a costume, but a proper outfit that protects you against the cold weather is more than welcome.

Traditions related to the night of bonfires.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers when they parade in costumes on Bonfire Night.

This is a clear nod to the failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament, a celebration of independence, in a safe manner.

Most of the time, these Bonfire Night events end with a firework display.

Bonfire Night attractions

You're going to find a lot of great attractions and events in the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community event, where everyone has a great time, and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

You will also be able to enjoy some great firework displays with some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember.

There are some traditions:

• Many people in the UK burn an effigy, a model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. This effigy is stuffed with old clothes and made out of straw or paper, it is supposed to represent Guy Fawkes.
• There are firework displays throughout the country, with the biggest cities getting some of the largest displays. Even in rural areas, you are bound to find bonfires and amazing firework displays all over the country.
• There is a tradition of carrying flaming tar barrels on the shoulders during the Bonfire Night processions. Again, this is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his team had to blow up the parliament building.
• Another interesting tradition comes in the form of “Penny for the Guy”. Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and ask for money in order to buy fireworks. In some parts of the world, you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
• The bonfires aren't just meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. People heat up soup for the crowds that come by to watch the fireworks. It is possible to cook potatoes wrapped in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. There is a traditional parking cake that people eat on Bonfire Night. It has syrup, ginger, oatmeal, and treacle, and it is very delicious.

Which foods are popular during celebrations?

The events of the Bonfire Night are more than just a celebration with bonfires and fireworks.

There are a lot of foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee or the toffee apples are all associated with the Bonfire Night.

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions have their own special meals prepared around the 5th of November as well.

It is important to note that some families eat soup and share it with friends or family.

In the end

Over the years, Bonfire Night has become a staple event, and continues every year.

It is a great time for people to come together and enjoy some great food.

The event has impressed many people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that over the years it has shifted towards being a more community-friendly event.

The most important parts of the event are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come.

Wells Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Wells, Mendip, Somerset, England, United Kingdom

Organiser: Wells Bonfire Night